Скачать или смотреть The "₹150" Secret: Why ISRO Really Put a Satellite on a Bullock Cart!

In 2026, as India prepares to launch its first manned mission, Gaganyaan, it’s essential to look back at the most misunderstood photograph in space history: the APPLE satellite on a bullock cart.

Contrary to popular internet myths, this wasn't due to a lack of money or transport. It was a brilliant technical workaround that cost just ₹150.

🧠 The "₹150" Secret: It Was Pure Physics
In 1981, ISRO scientists were preparing to launch APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment), India’s first indigenous communication satellite. They hit a major roadblock: the satellite's antenna was having "impedance matching" issues, causing a link problem.
+1

To fix this, they needed to conduct an Antenna Pattern Test, which required:

An Open Field: To avoid signal reflections from buildings.

A Non-Magnetic Environment: Any metal nearby (like a truck or a van) would interfere with the sensitive electromagnetic signals being tested.

A Stable, Slow-Moving Platform: To map out the signal strength accurately.

The Solution: A wooden bullock cart. Since it was made of wood, it was "radio-transparent." It didn't reflect or interfere with the signals. For just ₹150, hired from a local farmer, ISRO got a mobile, non-magnetic laboratory that a million-dollar truck couldn't provide.
+2

mind over money, wealth building, investing strategies, personal finance, financial freedom, money mindset, wealth creation, passive income ideas, long term investing, smart investing, stock market basics, stock market for beginners, investing for beginners, personal finance education, financial literacy, build wealth, grow your money, investment mindset, passive income streams, financial independence, disciplined investing, money management, saving and investing, finance motivation, mindset and money